Evan Smith
| IP | 130 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 6.369 |
| WHIP | 1.731 |
| BB/9 | 3.808 |
| SO/9 | 7.546 |
- Full name Evan L. Smith
- Born 08/17/1995 in Mobile, AL
- Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: L
- School Montgomery
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Drafted in the 4th round (115th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013 (signed for $350,000).
View Draft Report
Evan Smith was on scouts' radar last summer and earned an invite to the East Coast Pro Showcase, but didn't impress tremendously, showing a raw delivery and a fastball that topped out in the 84-86 mph range. However, Smith got better this spring, flashing 88-92 mph velocity early and still bumping some 92s as the year went along. Smith may have to have a delivery overhaul but has shown raw arm strength and hand speed to spin a breaking ball. Some scouts believe he'll need two years in Rookie ball.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Smith was not a consensus high draft pick in 2013, but the Blue Jays liked what they saw at the 2012 East Coast Pro Showcase as well as his development the following spring. They took him in the fourth round of the 2013 draft and signed him for a below-slot $350,000 bonus, saving nearly $100,000 on their pool. Smith has developed slowly but has developed nonetheless and is ready for full-season ball. He changed pitching styles in 2015, shifting from emphasizing a four-seamer to a two-seam approach. At 220 pounds, he has the power to throw hard, touching 94 mph, but usually sits 88-92 and tries to get early contact with his two-seamer and slurvy breaking ball, which is more slider than curve and needs tightening. He's just learning the feel for a changeup. With a durable frame and fairly clean arm action, Smith remains raw clay to mold and is ready for a full-season role in 2016 at low Class A Lansing, where he should be part of the rotation.
